The country music world mourns the devastating loss of Brett James, the talented singer-songwriter behind the iconic hit "Jesus, Take the Wheel," who tragically died in a plane crash on Tuesday. The accident occurred in the North Carolina mountains near Lotla Valley Elementary School in Franklin, a town located approximately an hour west of Asheville. James, 58, was a passenger in a single-engine Cirrus SR22T aircraft when it crashed. Authorities confirmed that there were no survivors. While the names of the two other victims have not yet been publicly released as of Friday morning, the impact of this tragedy extends far beyond the immediate community. James' contributions to country music are undeniable, with hits like "When the Sun Goes Down" also cementing his place in the genre. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame confirmed his passing, expressing profound sorrow at the loss of such a gifted artist. Thankfully, no injuries were reported at the nearby elementary school. This devastating event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the immense talent lost far too soon. The investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway.
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Originally published at: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2025/09/19/3--including-country-music-singer--die-in-plane-crash
